By Prosper Mene
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Madam Usoro Offiong Akpabio, a prominent politician and strategist from Akwa Ibom State, as the Managing Director of the newly established South South Development Commission (SSDC). The announcement, made on May 8, 2025, has sparked optimism about the region’s development prospects.
The SSDC, headquartered in Uyo, is tasked with driving infrastructure and economic growth across Nigeria’s South-South region, including states like Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Rivers. Alongside Akpabio, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche from Rivers State, was nominated as the Commission’s Chairman.
Okpolupm Etteh, the House of Representatives member for Eket/ONNA/Esit Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency, praised the appointment, calling it a strategic move by President Tinubu. In a statement on May 9, 2025, Etteh urged the people of Akwa Ibom to rally behind Akpabio, emphasizing that her leadership could “unlock unprecedented development opportunities” for the South-South region.
“As the SSDC begins operations, I call on all Akwa Ibom people to support Miss Akpabio in this important assignment,” Etteh said, expressing gratitude to the President for the confidence shown in Akwa Ibom’s leadership.
Public reactions, reflect excitement about the appointment, with many viewing it as a chance to address longstanding infrastructural challenges in the region. However, details about Akpabio’s previous roles remain limited, prompting curiosity about her experience leading such a significant initiative.
The Senate is expected to review the nominations, which include 16 additional board members, to finalize the Commission’s leadership structure. With its focus on regional development, the SSDC is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the South-South’s economic landscape under Akpabio’s leadership.
As Akwa Ibom residents await the Commission’s next steps, Etteh’s call for unity shows the collective hope that Akpabio’s tenure will mark a new era of progress for the state and the broader region.
